U.S. District Court Upholds Validity of Lilly's Evista Patents Through 2014

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of Indiana today upheld
Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE:LLY)
method-of-use patents on Evista (raloxifene HCl tablets). In the
case of Eli Lilly and Company v. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries
Ltd., the court ruled in favor of Lilly on all accounts for these
method-of-use patents, including the patent doctrines of
obviousness, enablement, and inequitable conduct. These patents
provide protection for Evista through March of 2014.

"We are pleased with the court's rulings on Evista's
method-of-use patents. We have always been very confident that
these patents are valid and enforceable and today's court ruling
sends a clear message on the strength of those patents," said
Robert A. Armitage, senior vice president and general counsel for
Lilly. "Protection of intellectual property rights is extremely
important to the biopharmaceutical industry and the physicians and
patients we serve, as these rights help support the development of
the next generation of innovative medicines to treat unmet medical
needs."

In addition, the Court held Lilly's Evista particle-size patents
invalid. The company is reviewing this aspect of the ruling to
determine whether or not to appeal.

Evista is a breakthrough medicine indicated for the treatment
and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women; and the
reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women
with osteoporosis and the reduction in risk of invasive breast
cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk for invasive breast
cancer.

Important Safety Information about EVISTA (raloxifene HCl
tablets)

Here are a few things you should know about EVISTA: EVISTA is
not right for everyone. You should only take prescription EVISTA if
you are past menopause. Before taking EVISTA, talk to your doctor
about all your medical conditions.

You should not take EVISTA if you have had or are at risk for
getting blood clots in the legs, lungs or eyes, as it may increase
the risk of blood clots. Stop taking EVISTA and call your doctor if
you have leg pain or warmth, swelling of the legs, hands or feet,
chest pain, shortness of breath or a sudden vision change, as these
may be signs of a blood clot. Being unable to move around for long
periods may increase this risk. If you will need to be still for a
long time, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of
blood clots.

EVISTA does not increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke in
women who have had or are at risk for a heart attack; however;
EVISTA increases the likelihood of dying from stroke in these
women, should one occur. Before taking EVISTA tell your doctor if
you have had a stroke, a mini-stroke, irregular heartbeat, high
blood pressure, heart attack, history of smoking, or believe you
have other risk factors for stroke or a heart attack.

If you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant, do not take
EVISTA, as it may cause fetal harm. Women with liver or kidney
disease should use EVISTA with caution. EVISTA should not be taken
with estrogens in the form of pills, patches or injections.

Side effects may include hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling,
flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and sweating. You are encouraged to
report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a
growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest
research from its own worldwide laboratories and from
collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered
in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines
and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical
needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at
www.lilly.com. C-LLY

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
U.S. Evista patent litigation. These statements are based on
management's current expectations but actual results may differ
materially. There can be no assurance that the company will prevail
in any appeal. Other risk factors that may affect the company
results can be found in company's Form 10-Q dated July 2009 and
Form 10-K dated February 2009.

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.